Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s fast, versatile, and made with simple ingredients I usually have on hand. The combination of tender beef, crisp peppers, and aromatic ginger and garlic makes it incredibly flavorful. The microwave rice is a clever shortcut that keeps everything quick, while the sauce adds that classic, rich umami flavor I love in fried rice. It’s budget-friendly, filling, and tastes even better than takeout.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

1 tsp Sunflower oil
500 g (1.1 lb) Beef mince
1 Onion, Finely chopped
2 Cloves Garlic, Peeled and crushed
1 tbsp Fresh ginger
2 Peppers, (Whichever colours you prefer)
1 tbsp Chinese 5 spice
500 g (1.1 lb) Microwave rice, (x2 packs)
200 g (7 oz) Frozen peas

For the sauce:
3 tbsp Dark soy sauce
3 tbsp Oyster sauce
1/4 tsp Dried chilli flakes

To serve (optional):
Spring onions (scallions), Sliced

Directions

First, I heat the sunflower oil in a heavy-bottomed frying pan or wok over medium heat. I add the beef mince and cook for 5–10 minutes on high heat until browned all over, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

Next, I add the chopped onion, crushed garlic, grated fresh ginger, sliced peppers, and Chinese 5 spice. I stir-fry everything together for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables soften slightly and the spices become fragrant.

Meanwhile, I make the sauce by mixing the dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, and dried chilli flakes in a small bowl.

I then crumble the microwave rice into the pan (breaking up any clumps with my hands or a spoon) and add the frozen peas. I pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and stir well to combine everything.

I cook for another 5–10 minutes, stirring often, until the rice is hot and evenly coated with sauce. Finally, I serve it hot, topped with sliced spring onions for extra freshness and crunch.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook, for a total time of 30 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap the beef for chicken mince, or even turkey mince for a lighter option. If I want to make it vegetarian, I use plant-based mince or diced tofu. For extra vegetables, I add carrots, broccoli florets, or baby corn. I also like adjusting the spice level—adding more chilli flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat. If I want a richer flavor, I stir in a scrambled egg at the end for that classic fried rice texture.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, I add a splash of water or soy sauce and warm it in a frying pan or microwave until piping hot. I avoid reheating more than once to maintain the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use freshly cooked rice instead of microwave rice?

Yes, but I cool it completely first—day-old rice works best for fried rice as it doesn’t clump together.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Definitely. I add extra chilli flakes, sriracha, or a chopped fresh chilli for heat.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen mixed vegetables work great and make the recipe even quicker.

How do I keep the rice from going soggy?

I cook it on high heat and stir often so the moisture evaporates and the rice stays fluffy.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, I use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce to keep it suitable for gluten-free diets.

What kind of peppers work best?

I use red and yellow bell peppers for sweetness, but any color works fine.

Can I add eggs to this fried rice?

Yes, I scramble 1–2 eggs in the pan before adding the rice for extra protein and flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, I just make sure to use a large enough wok so everything fries evenly.

What can I serve it with?

I love serving it with prawn crackers, spring rolls, or a fresh cucumber salad for a full fakeaway meal.

Conclusion

I find this Easy Beef Fried Rice to be the perfect quick and tasty fakeaway meal. The flavorful sauce, tender beef, and crisp vegetables come together beautifully in one pan, making it both convenient and satisfying. It’s a family favorite that never disappoints—delicious, easy to customize, and ready in just 30 minutes.